Pakistan edge past the Netherlands in a thrilling victory

2026-02-07 - 15:59

Pakistan recorded a narrow three-wicket victory over the Netherlands in the opening match of the ICC Twenty20 World Cup cricket tournament, played today (07). In a closely contested encounter that went down to the final over, Pakistan reached the target of 148 set by the Netherlands with three balls to spare, having lost seven wickets. Batting at number eight, Faheem Ashraf played a crucial role, remaining unbeaten on 29 off just 11 deliveries. His innings included three sixes and two fours. Faheem also shared a vital eighth-wicket partnership of 34 runs off 20 balls with Shaheen Afridi. Earlier, after batting first, the Netherlands were bowled out for 147 in 19.5 overs. The match was played at the SSC Ground.